Sutherland Shire has new bulk-billed service for urgent health care

A state government initiated bulk-billed service for Sutherland Shire residents seeking urgent health care opened in mid-December.

Caringbah Urgent Care Service is one of 25 to be delivered in NSW by mid-2025, designed to provide urgent health care in a more timely way and take pressure off hospital emergency departments.

NSW Health has partnered with the Central Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network, made up of GPs and allied health providers.

The clinic is located in President Avenue, but anyone seeking to access the service, is asked to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

A registered nurse will assess the patient's condition and guide them to the care they need, including booking an appointment at the service on the patient's behalf or escalating their care to other services like NSW Ambulance if required.

Patients will be bulk billed.

Caringbah Urgent Care Service operates 365 days a year, from 8am to 8pm, and is staffed by GPs and nurses, with important diagnostic services on-site including radiology and pathology.

Health Minister Ryan Park said the service would enable people to access healthcare in a more timely way, and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department.

"We are already seeing great success across the state with new services enabling thousands of people to be diverted from EDs into more appropriate care," he said.

"The service is well-supported to treat a range of illnesses and injuries deemed urgent, but not life-threatening, such as minor wounds that need stitches, suspected broken bones and skin infections that need antibiotics."